This Week's Water Conditions Update

April 12, 2024

Water Conditions Tracker

Lake Okeechobee Levels & Caloosahatchee Flow Impacts

On 4/10/24 Lake Okeechobee was at 14.99 feet, decreasing by 0.19 feet in the past week. The weekly average flow at S-79 was 660 cfs (cubic feet per second) and flow from the Lake at S-77 was an average of 740 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-77 was 635 cfs. The 14-day average flow at S-79 was 1,165 cfs and has been in the optimum flow envelope (750- 2,100 cfs) for 3 days after 46 days in the damaging flow envelope and 1 day in the stress envelope.

For more information on Lake Okeechobee and estuary conditions go to the latest Caloosahatchee Conditions Report.

lighthouse-beach-park-03 image

What's Happening With Lake Okeechobee?

Spring is a time of change, as birds begin their migrations and estuarine species start their spawn. Important changes also happen in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary as waters begin to warm and the wet season looms on the horizon.

Read More

Water Surface Temperature

This Week

Daily Average for April 3, 2024


Gulf of Mexico: 74.8 °F

Caloosahatchee (Alva): 77.7 °F

Lake Okeechobee (Polesout3s): 75.9°F


Last Week

Daily Average for March 27, 2024


Gulf of Mexico: 77.6 °F

Caloosahatchee (Alva): 78.3 °F

Lake Okeechobee (Polesout3s): 75.6°F



Weekly Rainfall Totals

WP Franklin (S-79): 0.00" Ortona (S-78): 0.00" Moore Haven (S-77): 0.00"

Red Tide

On 4/5/24, the FWC reported that the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was not observed in samples collected statewide over the past week.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) received 1 bird with toxicosis symptoms (from red tide or blue-green algae) from 4/2/24 - 4/8/24.

Blue-Green Algae

On 4/8/24 sampling for cyanobacteria by the Lee County Environmental Lab reported the presence of Dolichospermum, Microcystis and miscellaneous cyano-filaments at the Alva Boat Ramp with streaks and a pale green tint to the water. Dolichospermum, Microcystis and miscellaneous cyano-filaments were abundant upstream of the Franklin Locks as streaks and small clumps with heavy accumulation along the lock. Dolichospermum, Microcystis, and miscellaneous cyano-filaments were moderately abundant at the Davis Boat Ramp as streaks with some accumulation. 

Become a Citizen Scientist and Get the Algae Reporting App Today!

SCCF wants to know when and where all types of algae sightings occur to monitor conditions around the islands and to investigate algae bloom occurrence with patterns in seasonal weather changes and Lake Okeechobee water management practices.


Click on and bookmark this link to report an algal bloom sighting.

Resources To Follow:

To learn more about our current water conditions, click on the following links:


Water Quality Dashboard


Water Quality FAQ

Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions regarding water quality and more.


Water Conditions Update Archive


Caloosahatchee Conditions Report

A collaborative, weekly analysis, including recommendations for water managers regarding Lake Okeechobee flows.


RECON

SCCF's River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network is a network of eight optical water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee and the Pine Island Sound estuary to provide real-time water quality data.


Caloosahatchee River Virtual Tour



Red Tide Resources


NOAA HAB Monitoring System - Lake Okeechobee

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